Bass Pro Fishing Classic Starts Feb. 27th

February 16, 2009 12:00:00 AM PST

Manteca, CA, USA --

"Bass pro" is fishing for customers here in the Central Valley. The outdoor sports retailer is looking to draw more customers to its store north of the Valley with what's being called a, "fishing classic".

It's a 17-day event that starts on February 27th in Manteca and includes live fishing demonstrations and a boat show.

The company expects as many as 150,000 people from all over the state to attend.

That would mean a boost in business for hotels, gas stations, restaurants, and other retailers in the area.

Bass pro estimates more people in California hunt and fish than attend pro sports events each year, contributing about 3.5-billion dollars to the state's economy.